MINISTER MACKAY URGES NOVA SCOTIA SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES TO SEEK OPPORTUNITIES UNDER THE NATIONAL SHIPBUILDING STRATEGY

April 11, 2012 -
New Glasgow, NS

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The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, today addressed business people attending a supplier development information session on the Atlantic Shipbuilding Action Plan in New Glasgow.

“Our Government’s shipbuilding strategy is a $33-billion investment. It is vital to me that Atlantic Canada’s small and medium-sized enterprises understand that the work to be done in Halifax will have spin-offs in all four provinces and that they too can benefit,” said Minister MacKay. “For our region, it represents a historic opportunity for business growth and job creation for decades to come.”

The event is one of a series of sessions, organized by ACOA and Irving Shipbuilding Inc., which are being held in communities throughout the region as part of the Government of Canada’s Atlantic Shipbuilding Action Plan. Through this plan, ACOA is ensuring that businesses fully understand the process and the requirements to access opportunities attached to the renewal of Canada’s naval and Coast Guard fleets. The plan will also help businesses identify and access resources to upgrade and diversify their operations so that they can position themselves to become suppliers or sub-contractors to this important initiative.

“Nova Scotia businesses have significant experience in providing services to a broad spectrum of industries, on top of which we boast a rich shipbuilding heritage not just in Halifax but literally all around this province. Pictou County is no exception, boasting a long and proud industrial history that includes shipbuilding to this day. The expertise that Nova Scotians have developed over generations will position businesses and communities to take advantage of the opportunities that will be generated by these major shipbuilding projects,” added Minister MacKay.

On October 19, 2011, the Government of Canada announced the selection of the two shipyards that will build Canada’s large vessels for the next 20–30 years. Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. will build the non-combat vessels, and Irving Shipbuilding Inc. will build the combat vessels. Contracts for smaller vessels will be competed for amongst other Canadian shipyards. The strategy also calls for the repair, refit and maintenance of existing vessels.

On February 13, 2012, ACOA Minister of State Valcourt, along with Minister MacKay, announced the Government of Canada’s Atlantic Shipbuilding Action Plan, which focuses on maximizing opportunities for firms across the Atlantic region to participate in the $33-billion federal shipbuilding initiative.

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Defence Minister Peter MacKay was in New Glasgow today to urge local companies to take advantage of the business opportunities that will be generated by shipbuilding in Atlantic Canada. Minister MacKay opened a supplier development information session, one of a series of sessions being organized across Atlantic Canada by ACOA and Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

The sessions are designed to inform area small and medium-sized businesses about the shipbuilding initiative and the requirements to be part of the marine supply chains for this 20-to-30-year initiative to renew Canada’s naval and Coast Guard fleets.

The Atlantic Shipbuilding Action Plan will also help businesses address challenges such as innovation capacity, certifications and workforce skills so they can prepare themselves to compete as suppliers or sub-contractors to this important initiative.